Do you Know why wheels lifted in Trucks

Have you ever seen trucks with raised wheels like this? Do you Know why wheels lifted in Trucks It is called as “Lift Axle” or “Drop Axle”

Lift Axle or Drop Axle

We never always load heavy cargo in trucks. After unloading the heavy cargo, the trucks ran empty. Sometimes the truck carries less load compared to its capacity.

Pros of Lift axle

So by lifting this lift axle in these situations

• We can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency
• Helps in extending the life of the tires and brake shoes
• Damage to the road surface can be reduced
• Better turning radius

So this axle can be dropped while carrying heavy cargoes. The lift and drop function is done using air bellows.

Tandem axle lift

Till now, we have seen that the dead axle lifts, but with this feature the drive axle can be disengaged and lifted. They call it “Tandem axle lift” By using a dog clutch on the first drive axle, the second drive axle can be disengaged and then raised.

Pros of Tandem Axle lift

By disengaging and lifting the drive axle we get

• We get better mileage up to 4%
• Better turning radius
• Better cabin comfort as the road noise get reduced and
• Better traction when needed.
• Better traction when needed.

This Tandem axle lift can be seen on high budget premium trucks like Volvo and Scania